BUNNELL, Fla. — A Russian national living illegally in Palm Coast, Florida, has been arrested on multiple fraud charges after allegedly using customer credit cards for unauthorized purchases totaling more than $22,000.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Mikhail Vasilev, 43, on August 8 following two investigations into separate reports of credit card fraud. Authorities say Vasilev initially obtained credit cards from clients for home construction projects but later used them to make personal purchases.
In the first case, investigators found that Vasilev used a victim’s credit card at a local pharmacy in January 2025 to buy $470 in prescription medication using a contactless “tap” payment method, bypassing the need to show ID or enter a PIN. However, he still presented his ID to obtain the medication, helping link him to the fraud.
A second victim reported a more extensive scheme. He had provided Vasilev with one card over the phone to purchase materials at Home Depot, which was stored in Vasilev’s commercial account. The victim later requested the return of his cards multiple times, but Vasilev never returned them. Between April and December 2024, Vasilev allegedly used the cards for a range of personal transactions, including:
$4,000 in supplies delivered to a separate residence
Payments to the St. Johns County Tax Collector to reinstate his driver’s license
Utility bills
Purchases at O’Reilly Auto Parts, Kennedy Space Center, and National eBike Store
Through detailed investigations, detectives tied over $10,300 in fraudulent transactions directly to Vasilev.
Vasilev expressed remorse during questioning and agreed to repay the funds, despite having no prior criminal record. Both victims have since canceled their credit cards.
Vasilev faces charges of grand theft ($10,000–$20,000), petit theft, and two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card. He is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a $45,000 bond, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on him.
“This arrest shows our commitment to protecting residents from individuals who come here illegally and commit crimes,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you enter our country illegally and commit crimes in Flagler County, expect a quick trip to the Green Roof Inn before being deported.”
ICE will assume custody after the criminal case is resolved and begin deportation proceedings.
